Maggie Louise (Lawrence) Ross

Maggie Louise Ross, daughter of the late Eddie “Jaybird” Lawrence (1976) and Willie Bell Lawrence (1987), was born on March 8, 1933, in Lowndes County, Alabama. On August 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 92, Maggie completed her earthly journey in Arlington, Texas, and claimed her heavenly reward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Ross (2002); her son, Kenneth Henry Ross (2024); her parents; her brothers James Lawrence Sr. (1981), David Lawrence Sr. (1988), Eddie Lawrence (1988), Robert Lawrence (2000), Luke Lawrence (2015), and Lee Arthur Webb (2015); her sisters Gertie Mae Lawrence Davis (2004) and Nelle Lawrence.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted children: Sharon Ross-Blackmon (Gerard) of Arlington, TX; Michael D. Ross Sr. of Arlington, TX; and Dr. Pamela Ross McClain (Dr. Nathaniel) of Saginaw, MI; daughter-in-law, Sandra Ross of Dallas, TX; Mary Draine of Saginaw, eight grandchildren, Kendall R. Ross, Miguel Spain Ross, Kenneth Ross II, Kijuan Ross, Michael Ross II, Jetaime Ross, Ross McClain, and Jaiden McClain; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; her special sisters-in-law, Dollie Lawrence and Pauline Lawrence of Saginaw, MI, and Lauretta Ross of Sacramento, CA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends who will forever treasure her love and wisdom.

At an early age, Maggie confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Tyler, Alabama. She received her high school diploma from Lowndes County Training School, Class of 1951, and continued her education at Alabama State University, where she studied Early Childhood Education.

In 1955, Maggie married her childhood sweetheart, the late John Henry Ross, and together they built a loving family. As a devoted wife and mother, she created a warm and nurturing home while supporting her husband’s Air Force career. She embraced their assignments in Hawaii and Spain, treasured travels across Europe and the United States, and carried with her a lifetime of memories and friendships formed along the way. “She had a magnetic personality, and people were naturally drawn to her welcoming spirit.”

After her husband retired from the Air Force, the family eventually relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where she united with Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1976. For nearly five decades, she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Usher, and dedicated worker in Christian Education. She was also an active member of the United Sisters in Christ.

Maggie also took courses at Delta College to pursue her career aspirations in education. She worked in the Saginaw Public School District in many capacities—teacher’s aide, home-school aide, paraprofessional, and custodian. In every role, she was deeply respected, serving as both a trusted colleague and a mother figure to countless children and families.

Maggie enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved traveling, gardening, dancing, sewing, and bowling. A natural conversationalist, she loved to talk in both English and Spanish, connecting with people wherever she went. Known for her quick wit and great sense of humor, she could always bring a smile or a laugh to those around her.

Maggie Louise Ross lived a life of grace, faith, joy, and service. Her journey was a timeless reflection of kindness and selfless love. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to Christ and an unconditional love for her family and community—one that will continue to inspire future generations.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7